Off the topic of New Zealand. One of the most frequently asked questions Grant and I get about our jobs, is about potential run-ins with pirates. We always answer by talking about how a US container ship has never been seized by pirates as they are faster and have higher freeboard than the slower tankers and general cargo ships. Well, that all changed today.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gB7YMEDuCwwY9ncDOtPAkEI4-H2wD97EL40O0
Our hearts go out to Captain Richard Phillip, and his family, who gave himself up to the pirates so the rest of the crew could go free. Grant was on a run in the Persian Gulf on a similar ship working for Maersk last summer, so this really does strike us close to our hearts. We are hoping for a speedy return of Captain Phillips to his family, and commend our brothers, (and sisters if you're there) on the Maersk Alabama for their courage, strength, and seamanship.
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I HATE PIRATES!! That is so scary!! When I heard the headline that a US flag ship had been taken over by pirates, all I could think was that I was really glad that I knew you guys were not on a ship right now. It's horrible--I hope the captain gets out unharmed. BASTARDS!!
ReplyDeleteGrant and I have discussed it a little more, and we realize we both know people who have worked on that ship, though we think it is crewed by a rival American officers union now. Grant thinks some of the crew stopped by to chat on his ship last summer in Kuwait. It's really scary, and this time they came over 200 miles offshore to capture the ship, so there doesn't seem to be much we can do to reroute the ships! Needless to say, we are not looking forward to going back to work!
ReplyDeleteCould you guys do me a favor and try to get a picture of a brick pile in new Zealand? I always like a good picture of bricks, and a southern hemisphere photo would be tops.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention, why don't fellows on ships just carry a bunch of guns? It's the American way. Hell, I just like firepower when I run down to the mini-mart for some smokes.
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